The Pottery Village of Kampong Chhnang

Clay pottery is a true emblem of Kampong Chhnang province, located along the route between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The province's name itself translates to “Port of the Cooking Pots,” reflecting the region’s longstanding association with ceramics. For thousands of years, beige clay has been shaped and fired in the village of Andong Russey, which is now renowned for the quality of its artisanal craftsmanship. Archaeologists have dated the kilns used to fire the pottery, as well as the internal paddles used to shape the pots, back to the 6th century. This ancestral art flourished for centuries before experiencing a decline after the fall of the Angkorian Empire. Fortunately, traditional pottery-making was revived in Kampong Chhnang in the early 2000s, thanks to funding from German development programs.

A timeless craft

The pottery-making technique has remained unchanged for generations: every piece is shaped by hand. The process begins by placing a ball of clay on a stand that reaches the artisan’s waist. Using only their hands, the potter gradually shapes the clay into a rough cylindrical form. The next step involves refining the lower part of the vessel into a rounded dome while keeping the rim intact. A wooden paddle is then inserted inside the pot to stretch and reinforce the walls. This stage is delicate and critical—the pot is still fragile and must not be punctured or cracked.

Once the structure is solidified, the artisan moves on to decoration. Using a dampened cardboard tool, they smooth the pot’s opening and may then etch designs or patterns into the surface. After a period of drying, the finished piece is fired in a kiln for several hours to complete the process.

A village open to the world

Visitors are welcome to stroll through the village of Andong Russey in search of pottery workshops. The 300 artisan families who live there are known for their warm hospitality and readily invite guests to observe, photograph, and learn about their work. Nearby villages such as Bang Skun and Trapeang Sabeu also offer similar experiences, making the region a fascinating stop for anyone interested in traditional Cambodian craftsmanship.